Crossrail moved in to start work in Redbridge on Friday at the Ilford Yard Depot.
The depot located between Ilford and Seven Kings stations - along with sites in Gidea Park, Old Oak Common Depot, Plumstead, Maidenhead and Shenfield - will be used to stable up to 12 trains.
Crossrail have confirmed nearly 90 jobs will be created once improvements have been completed.
Councillor Keith Prince, leader of Redbridge Council, said: “Crossrail will be a huge catalyst to development and investment in the borough and we are delighted that the construction works have now begun at Ilford Yard.
“This will make an important contribution to a new era in cross London travel.”
Work, in the region of £50m, will now take place to create 10 new sidings for Crossrail trains and a new building for train staff at the existing depot.
Crossrail is working with Redbridge Council and JobCentre Plus to ensure that local people have access to vacancies that arise.
Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South and chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Crossrail Group, added he was sure Crossrail would bring significant benefits to residents in the local area.
It is expected that Crossrail services will be finished by late 2018.
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